Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Plaka and Spinalonga Island Tour

The Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, and Spinalonga Island Tour offers a captivating blend of cultural exploration and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy Cretan traditions at an olive oil park, stroll through the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, and enjoy the picturesque beaches of Plaka. But the tour’s true highlight is the guided exploration of Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony with a poignant history waiting to be uncovered. This comprehensive excursion promises an unforgettable glimpse into the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Crete.

Key Points

• This 10-hour guided tour takes visitors to Crete’s picturesque destinations of Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, and the historical Spinalonga Island.
• The tour includes an olive oil park experience with local product tasting, 75 minutes in Agios Nikolaos, and 3.5 hours of free time in Plaka.
• Visitors can explore the cultural and scenic attractions of each location, including the Voulismeni Lake in Agios Nikolaos and the beaches in Plaka.
• The tour offers a guided exploration of the former leper colony on Spinalonga Island, providing insights into its poignant history and resilience.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation with pickup from various locations, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors a chance to explore the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, the quaint fishing village of Plaka, and the historic island of Spinalonga, all for a starting price of SEK 409 per person.

The 10-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off, transportation, and a guided experience at an olive oil park where travelers can taste local products.

Guests will have 75 minutes to wander around Agios Nikolaos and 3.5 hours to enjoy Plaka, with the option to swim.

The highlight is a 1.5-hour guided tour of Spinalonga Island, the former leper colony.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option available.

Itinerary and Destinations

The tour begins with a visit to an Olive Oil Park, where travelers can experience the production of extra virgin olive oil and sample local Cretan products like olives, honey, and other delicacies.

Next, the group heads to Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lasithi, where they’ll have 75 minutes to explore the scenic views, do some shopping, or relax by the picturesque Voulismeni Lake.

The tour then moves on to the small fishing village of Plaka, where guests enjoy 3.5 hours of free time for lunch and swimming.

The final destination is Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony, where a guided tour provides insight into its fascinating history.

Olive Oil Park Experience

Visitors begin the tour by exploring an Olive Oil Park, where they can witness the process of producing extra virgin olive oil and sample a variety of local Cretan products, including olives, honey, and other delicacies.

At the park, guests gain insight into the rich heritage and importance of olive oil in Cretan culture. They’ll learn about the traditional methods used to extract the precious liquid and have the opportunity to taste the distinct flavors that make Cretan olive oil renowned worldwide.

This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the region’s agricultural traditions and allows travelers to savor the authentic tastes that define the Cretan culinary landscape.

Exploring Agios Nikolaos

Next, the tour takes visitors to Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the Lasithi region. Here, they’ll have around 75 minutes to explore the charming town, known for its picturesque lakefront, bustling shops, and scenic vistas.

Voulismeni Lake, a small, circular lake in the center of Agios Nikolaos, is a popular attraction. Visitors can stroll along the lake’s promenade, browse the boutiques and cafes, or simply take in the town’s relaxed, coastal ambiance.

The tour provides a chance to soak up the local atmosphere and culture before continuing on to the next destination, the fishing village of Plaka.

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Relaxing in Plaka

After exploring the vibrant town of Agios Nikolaos, the tour moves on to the small fishing village of Plaka, where travelers enjoy around 3.5 hours of free time for lunch and swimming.

Nestled along the coast, Plaka offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city. Visitors can stroll through the charming streets, lined with traditional Greek tavernas and shops, before finding a spot to enjoy a leisurely meal overlooking the serene waters.

For those seeking a refreshing dip, the nearby beaches provide an opportunity to cool off and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

With ample time to relax and take in the local atmosphere, the stop in Plaka is a highlight of the day’s excursion.

Guided Tour of Spinalonga

The tour then proceeds to the island of Spinalonga, where a guided exploration awaits.

Travelers embark on a captivating journey through the former leper colony, learning about its poignant history and the resilience of its inhabitants.

The guided tour provides insight into the daily lives of those who were confined to the island, as well as the challenges they faced.

Visitors can explore the ruins of buildings, hospitals, and the small church, gaining a deeper understanding of the island’s past.

Throughout the tour, the guide shares fascinating details and anecdotes, bringing the island’s history to life.

This stop on the itinerary offers a thought-provoking and enlightening experience for all who visit.

Transportation and Pickup Details

The tour offers air-conditioned coach transportation and convenient pickup options from 93 different locations across the region, including popular resort areas like Sissi, Malia, and Hersonissos.

Pickup times are staggered, with the first pickup at 8:00 AM in Ammoudara Beach, followed by Heraklion center at 8:05 AM and Karteros at 8:20 AM. The pickup sequence then continues to other locations.

This comprehensive transportation service ensures that travelers can easily access the tour from their accommodations, allowing them to sit back and enjoy the journey.

The included pickup and drop-off service adds to the overall convenience and hassle-free experience of this Cretan adventure.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

Along With the comprehensive transportation service, the tour includes a guided olive oil park experience, where visitors can learn about the production of extra virgin olive oil and sample local Cretan products such as olives, honey, and more.

The package also covers the liability insurance, while additional costs include:

• Boat ticket to Spinalonga Island: €10 for adults, €5 for children (4-12 years)

• Admission to Spinalonga: €8 for adults, free for children up to 18 years, €4 for EU citizens over 65 and students

These supplementary fees ensure a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to explore Spinalonga’s rich history and culture during the guided tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour provider generally allows passengers to bring their own food and drinks on the excursion. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies or restrictions regarding outside food and beverages.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome on the tour. Infants under 4 years old can join the tour for free, while children aged 4-12 years pay a reduced ticket price.

What Should I Bring for the Visit to Spinalonga Island?

For the visit to Spinalonga Island, one should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, and water. Visitors should also have their admission ticket ready to present at the entrance.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Coach During the Tour?

The tour information doesn’t specify if there’s Wi-Fi available on the coach. It’s likely that Wi-Fi is not provided, so passengers should plan accordingly and bring any necessary devices or connectivity for the trip.

Can I Extend My Stay at Any of the Tour Locations?

The tour does not include options to extend one’s stay at any of the locations. However, travelers can explore the possibility of extending their visit independently after the tour has concluded and they’ve been dropped off at their original pickup points.

Recap

The Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, and Spinalonga Island Tour offers a comprehensive cultural experience.

Visitors can enjoy Cretan traditions, explore charming towns, and discover the captivating history of Spinalonga Island.

Whether seeking relaxation or cultural insight, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the highlights of Crete.

You can check if your dates are available here: